Walker Kessler instantly proves to be exactly the center Luka Doncic wants on Lakers

Walker Kessler made his preseason debut for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas after missing three games with a finger injury. The 7-foot-2 center posted 11 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block across 16 minutes of action. Los Angeles outscored Golden State by 15 points during his time on the floor despite the Lakers playing without Luka Doncic and Collin Sexton.

Writer Tyler Watts argues that Kessler already looks like the ideal rim-protecting and roll-man center for Doncic. Acquired via a sign-and-trade for two first-round draft picks and two swaps, Kessler showed versatility as a defensive anchor and pick-and-roll finisher, which Watts believes will elevate the Lakers into title contention alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves.